Duet: Our Journey in Song with the Northern Mockingbird

The story of the impactful partnership between humans and mockingbirds, both scientifically and culturally over the centuries, written for young adults by award-winning nonfiction powerhouse Phil Hoose.

The Northern mockingbird's brilliant song--a loud, bright, liquid sampling of musical notes and phrases--has made it a beloved companion and the official bird of five states. Many of our favorite songs and poems feature mockingbirds.

Mockingbirds have been companions to humans for centuries. Many Native American myths and legends feature mockingbirds, often teaching humans to speak. Thomas Jefferson's mockingbird, "Dick", was the first White House pet. John James Audubon's portrait of a rattlesnake raiding a mockingbird's nest sparked outrage in the world of art. Atticus Finch's somber warning to his children, "Remember, it's a sin to kill a Mockingbird," is known throughout the world. Some jazz musicians credit mockingbirds with teaching them a four-note call that says, "Break's over." And mockingjays--a hybrid between jabberjays and mockers--are a symbol of the rebel cause in the Hunger Games trilogy.

But in the early 1900s the mocker was plummeting toward extinction. Too many had been trapped, sold, and caged. Something had to be done. To the rescue came a powerful and determined group of women.

Now, National Book Award and Newbery honor-winner Phillip Hoose brings the story of the important and overlooked connection between humans and mockingbirds--past, present, and future. It is the third volume of his bird trilogy.

Duet is a study in the power of song. As author Steve Sheinkin puts it, "This book will change how you listen to the world."

Author: Phillip Hoose
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Byr)
Published: 09/13/2022
Pages: 160
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.10lbs
Size: 9.90h x 6.80w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780374388775
Audience: Young Adult


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 07/15/2022
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 09/01/2022
Publishers Weekly 08/08/2022
Booklist 08/01/2022 pg. 45
Horn Book Magazine 09/01/2022 pg. 106
School Library Journal 10/01/2022 pg. 100

About the Author
Hoose, Phillip: - Phillip Hoose is an award-winning author of books, essays, stories, songs and articles. Although he first wrote for adults, he turned his attention to children and young adults in part to keep up with his own daughters. His book Claudette Colvin won a National Book Award and was dubbed a Publisher's Weekly Best Book of 2009. He is also the author of Hey, Little Ant, co-authored by his daughter, Hannah; It's Our World, Too!; The Race to Save the Lord God Bird; The Boys Who Challenged Hitler; and We Were There, Too!, a National Book Award finalist. He has received a Jane Addams Children's Book Award, a Christopher Award, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, and multiple Robert F. Sibert Honor Awards, among numerous honors. He was born in South Bend, Indiana, and grew up in the towns of South Bend, Angola, and Speedway, Indiana. He was educated at Indiana University and the Yale School of Forestry. He lives in Portland, Maine.